Maria Keogh Semple, born on May 21, 1964, is a prominent American novelist and screenwriter renowned for her distinctive storytelling and engaging characters. Semple's literary contributions include a series of acclaimed novels: This One Is Mine (2008), Where'd You Go, Bernadette (2012), and Today Will Be Different (2016). Beyond her novels, Semple has made significant strides in the television industry, contributing her talents to shows such as Beverly Hills, 90210, Mad About You, Saturday Night Live, Arrested Development, Suddenly Susan, and Ellen.

Her early years were marked by a unique upbringing; born in Santa Monica, California, Semple moved to Spain shortly after her birth, where her father, the esteemed screenwriter Lorenzo Semple, Jr., penned the pilot for the iconic television series Batman. The family later relocated back to the United States, living in Los Angeles and Aspen, Colorado. Semple's educational journey led her to Choate Rosemary Hall for boarding school, followed by achieving a BA in English from Barnard College in 1986.

Semple's work has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2013 Alex Awards. Her novels, coupled with a successful career in screenwriting, highlight her diverse talents and commitment to storytelling across different mediums.